Bipolar advocate Gabe Howard and Dr. Nicole Washington discuss the pitfalls of getting information from our friends and from medical professionals. They also cover why the side effects of psychiatric medications may sound scary. The hosts offer tips on how bipolar patients can better advocate for themselves, including what not to say and when it’s better to stay quiet and listen. They share a nuanced and in-depth conversation about managing bipolar disorder.  About the Inside Bipolar host: Gabe Howard lives with bipolar disorder and is a nationally recognized speaker and podcast host. He is the author of the book “Mental Illness Is an Asshole and Other Observations,” available from Amazon; signed copies available directly from the author. To learn more about Gabe, please visit gabehoward.com. About the Inside Bipolar co-host: Dr. Nicole Washington is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she attended Southern University and A&M; College. After receiving her BS degree, she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to enroll in the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a residency in psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa. Since completing her residency training, Washington has spent most of her career caring for and being an advocate for those who are not typically consumers of mental health services, namely underserved communities, those with severe mental health conditions, and high performing professionals. Through her private practice, podcast, speaking, and writing, she seeks to provide education to decrease the stigma associated with psychiatric conditions. Find out more at DrNicolePsych.com.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do Medical Professionals Know Best When It Comes to Bipolar Disorder?

Join Gabe, who lives with bipolar, and Dr. Nicole, a board certified psychiatrist, as they explore the spectrum of this misunderstood illness. They tackle bipolar disorder using real world examples, the latest research, and just enough funny to keep you intrigued. Webby Honoree, 2024.

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Ever wondered why your psychiatrist bombards you with what seem like mundane questions? Join Gabe, who is navigating life with bipolar disorder, and Dr. Nicole Washington, a board certified psychiatrist, as they delve into the dynamics of your psych visit. Their talk will touch on mood charts, sleep journals, and a better understanding of what is going through your provider’s mind as they direct the appointment. Uncover the hidden gems behind those seemingly routine questions and learn how they can pave the path to your journey of recovery. The hosts discuss practical insights and invaluable tips for making the most of your mental health consultations. Discover the insider's guide to maximizing your psychiatric appointments by listening now! "If I can be frank for a moment, Dr. Nicole, these are the questions that come up in the Reddit threads, in the private social media groups, and the support groups. The questions that trigger us, offend us, annoy us, bother us. That we have some emotion about, a misunderstanding and, and some feelings about." ~Gabe Howard To learn more -- or read the transcript -- visit the official episode page. 
 Our Host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author. To learn more about Gabe, or book him for your next event, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. You can also follow him on Instagram and TikTok at @askabipolar.  
 Our host, Dr. Nicole Washington, is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she attended Southern University and A&M; College. After receiving her BS degree, she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to enroll in the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a residency in psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa. Since completing her residency training, Washington has spent most of her career caring for and being an advocate for those who are not typically consumers of mental health services, namely underserved communities, those with severe mental health conditions, and high performing professionals. Through her private practice, podcast, speaking, and writing, she seeks to provide education to decrease the stigma associated with psychiatric conditions. Find out more at DrNicolePsych.com.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unpacking the Psych Appointment: Questions, Expectations, and Outcomes

The common issue of people with bipolar disorder wanting to stop taking medication is discussed in today’s episode. Dr. Nicole Washington highlights that often, these people present compelling reasons why they believe their diagnosis might be incorrect, but stopping medication without a strategic, supervised approach can lead to severe consequences.  Both Gabe Howard and Dr. Nicole emphasize the importance of patient education about the chronic nature of bipolar disorder and the potential dangers of stopping medication cold turkey and unsupervised. They explore safer ways to manage medication concerns, such as dose adjustments and strategies for open and direct communication.  "Is it rooted in evidence that you might not have bipolar disorder, or is it rooted in your strong desire for somebody to tell you you don't have bipolar disorder? Because there are people who have legit concerns about their diagnosis and they say, listen, I just don't think I have bipolar disorder. I genuinely do not think that is what's going on with me, and this is why. That's a totally different person than the person who knows full well that they probably do have bipolar disorder, but they really are trying to find somebody to side with them." ~Dr. Nicole Washington To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page. 
 Our Host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author. To learn more about Gabe, or book him for your next event, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. You can also follow him on Instagram and TikTok at @askabipolar. 
 Our host, Dr. Nicole Washington, is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she attended Southern University and A&M; College. After receiving her BS degree, she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to enroll in the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a residency in psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa. Since completing her residency training, Washington has spent most of her career caring for and being an advocate for those who are not typically consumers of mental health services, namely underserved communities, those with severe mental health conditions, and high performing professionals. Through her private practice, podcast, speaking, and writing, she seeks to provide education to decrease the stigma associated with psychiatric conditions. Find out more at DrNicolePsych.com.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Off the Meds: Navigating Bipolar Treatment Challenges

Is it ever OK to joke about living with bipolar disorder? And what about people who live with bipolar — are they welcome to jest about their experiences, or is it considered inappropriate? While mental health circles often advocate embracing humor as a healthy coping mechanism, there's also the acknowledgment that bipolar disorder is a serious condition and should not be trivialized. Today's episode delves into this nuanced topic, inviting listeners to consider various perspectives on the matter. "We're not going to stop jokes about living with serious and persistent mental illness and bipolar disorder. I think we can use our time better; that will make us feel a lot better about the assholes who are mean-spirited. For me, I want to know the intention behind the joke. If it's to be funny, I'm a lot less offended than if it's to literally insult people." ~Gabe Howard 
 To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the episode page. 
 Our Host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author. To learn more about Gabe, or book him for your next event, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. You can also follow him on Instagram and TikTok at @askabipolar.  
 Our host, Dr. Nicole Washington, is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she attended Southern University and A&M; College. After receiving her BS degree, she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to enroll in the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a residency in psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa. Since completing her residency training, Washington has spent most of her career caring for and being an advocate for those who are not typically consumers of mental health services, namely underserved communities, those with severe mental health conditions, and high performing professionals. Through her private practice, podcast, speaking, and writing, she seeks to provide education to decrease the stigma associated with psychiatric conditions. Find out more at DrNicolePsych.com.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Humor and Breaking Stigma: Joking about Bipolar Disorder

We discuss the challenges people face when needing to find a new psychiatrist, therapist, or support group, emphasizing that while people often underestimate the difficulty of this process, it's a crucial step in managing a long-term mental illness. We highlight that a solid patient-provider relationship is vital and can take time to replace a trusted professional. Dr. Nicole Washington advises on the importance of maintaining an updated medical history and being active in transitioning to a new clinician to ensure continuity of care.  Gabe Howard and Dr. Washington also emphasize the effect of suddenly losing a medical professional due to retirement, relocation, or other reasons and offer guidance on smoothly transitioning to a new clinician, reassuring listeners that it's normal to experience a range of emotions during this process. You wouldn't consider your psychiatrist your friend, your therapist, your friend, but it very much feels like you've lost someone very important. Someone who was very valuable in your journey with your bipolar disorder. And all of a sudden now they're gone. You can feel just as much grief as if you lost a loved one, because you've poured so much into that person and that relationship. These are deep relationships, so don't feel silly about why am I so sad? Don't minimize the importance and the value that relationship brings to you. So take the time to grieve that loss. ~Dr. Nicole Washington 
 To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page. 
 Our Host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author. To learn more about Gabe, or book him for your next event, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. You can also follow him on Instagram and TikTok at @askabipolar.  
 Our host, Dr. Nicole Washington, is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she attended Southern University and A&M; College. After receiving her BS degree, she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to enroll in the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a residency in psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa. Since completing her residency training, Washington has spent most of her career caring for and being an advocate for those who are not typically consumers of mental health services, namely underserved communities, those with severe mental health conditions, and high performing professionals. Through her private practice, podcast, speaking, and writing, she seeks to provide education to decrease the stigma associated with psychiatric conditions. Find out more at DrNicolePsych.com.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Losing Your Provider: Navigating the Therapeutic Relationship from Beginning to End

Today we discuss the importance of forming a supportive partnership with loved ones managing bipolar disorder without it devolving into a codependent relationship. We also discuss how important it is for our friends and family members not to micromanage or infantilize those living with bipolar.  We emphasize the value of open communication so loved ones can express their fears and concerns and provide encouragement and positive interaction beyond the illness. Finally, the hosts encourage sharing this episode to help foster understanding and improve the support system for those living with bipolar disorder. To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page. “One of the reasons that you might not be invited in the room is because of you, and because of the way that you have talked to your loved ones, the way that you keep asking that fully loaded question of have you taken your meds, the way that you are constantly fussing at them like they're still a teenager in your home. Those might be the reasons that they don't let you get involved. Maybe if you felt like more a part of their team, as opposed to still their parent or some person in authority, they might be a little more willing to let you in when it comes to those kinds of things.” ~Dr. Nicole Washington 
 Our Host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author. He is also the host of Healthline Media's Inside Mental Health podcast available on your favorite podcast player. To learn more about Gabe, or book him for your next event, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. 
 Our Host, Dr. Nicole Washington, is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she attended Southern University and A&M; College. After receiving her BS degree, she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to enroll in the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a residency in psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa. Since completing her residency training, Washington has spent most of her career caring for and being an advocate for those who are not typically consumers of mental health services, namely underserved communities, those with severe mental health conditions, and high performing professionals. Through her private practice, podcast, speaking, and writing, she seeks to provide education to decrease the stigma associated with psychiatric conditions. Find out more at DrNicolePsych.com.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do Medical Professionals Know Best When It Comes to Bipolar Disorder?

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